Repair Testmonials

I’ve had a great experience recently with Charlie Gray, the “Saxophone Whisperer”.

I’ve known Charlie for years as a professional colleague and player, I've always admired his understanding and appreciation of all eras of saxophones, from vintage to modern.

I was excited and interested to know that Charlie branched out as an independent after years of repair work for music stores. His experience has paid off: he has done exemplary work on special projects for me regarding two vintage curved sopranos and 1 sopranino. He repadded  my gold Buescher Soprano and regulated my other two, while restoring all three to exacting professional standards.  This included creating custom C bars for tuning, and alternate high F keys for the higher register.

It was his process and philosophy that made the difference. Charlie listened carefully to the details of my regulation requests, including key heights, springing, key placement, etc. We consulted regularly, and constant adjustments were made to get it exactly right. It was that dedication, and the willingness to work with me that led to such professional results. I’m now using all three saxes in my concert preparations.

Dr. Paul Cohen 

World Renowned Saxophone Educator, Historian, and Collector

After living in New York City and having the same repairman as David Sanborn, I was very nervous about whether I would find someone in the Mid-Hudson Valley with the expertise to maintain and adjust my saxophone. Luckily I found Charlie Gray to have both the skills and the attention to detail that I needed to save me from having to travel 90 minutes for saxophone repairs. From tuneups to a complete overhaul, Charlie has done it all at the highest level. When one of my Vassar College saxophone students needs repairs I know they'll get great service when they go to Charlie.

Dr. Christopher Brellochs, professional saxophonist and music educator 

Charlie is the only person I trust working on my instruments. His work is of the highest quality, using only the best materials for the job needed. Not only is he very timely, but he will fit you in as quickly as possible to take care of your instruments. I recommend Charlie for any work on your woodwind instruments, whether it is a quick pad change on a flute or a complete overhaul on a vintage saxophone, Charlie will handle it.

Joe North

professional saxophonist and music educator 

Charles Gray has been my go-to repair technician for my saxophones and other woodwind instruments since I moved to the Hudson Valley in 2009. His work is always done with meticulous care–resulting in an instrument that plays as well as, or better than, brand new. His personable demeanor and open mindedness creates an inviting atmosphere that is easy to work in, as he carefully listens to his clients’ comments and provides appropriate solutions to get their instruments into their optimal playing condition. As a working musician, he knows exactly what your instrument needs to be performing at its best. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a fantastic woodwind repair technician. 

Dr. Brian Kauth

professional saxophonist and music educator 

The reason you want Charlie Gray to “whisper” to your horn is because he actually listens to the player first before he looks at the horn in order to make sure he is addressing the problems the player has. His attention to detail and precision work also allows him to find things you didn’t realize were a problem. Every time he has “whispered” to my horn it has always played better than before.

Brad Hubbard

professional saxophonist and former  baritone Saxophonist of the New Century Saxophone Quartet - 1988 - 2004